Chapter 2: Coming on Strong

Author's Notes: Hey guys! As promised, here is chapter #2 to Coming on Strong. To those who have followed and read this story . . . thank you. It makes me truly happy to see people reading and (hopefully) enjoying this story. Plus, writing these chapters means more fun for me!

Also, about this chapter—it seems Akise is quite the persistent one in getting Yukiteru's attention. Let's see how Yukiteru reacts . . . read on . . .

(One Week Later . . . .)

As Yukiteru shut his locker, he jumped when he felt a hand touch his left shoulder. He turned around sharply to find a familiar silver-haired boy with crimson eyes.

"Hey," Akise greeted. "You didn't respond to any of my texts."

Yukiteru looked around helplessly. "I was . . . I was busy," he asserted quickly.

Akise gave a sad smile. "Is that so?"

Mild annoyance flashed across Yukiteru's face. "Yes," he answered firmly. He put his backpack on. "If you don't mind, I'm still a little busy-"

"Want to meet up tonight?" Akise interjected. "It's a Friday, so-"

"You just assume I have nothing better to do, right?" Yukiteru finished for him, frowning.

Akise's eyes widened, caught off guard by the sharp reproach.

Yukiteru's own eyes widened then, a hand flying to his mouth.

He removed it slowly, looking away. "Uh, sorry," he apologized. "It's just . . . the other kids at my school, they called me a freak because I didn't talk to anyone at school. In fact, I spent most of the time on my own." Then, he frowned, meeting Akise's gaze. "But, just because I was a loner at school, doesn't mean I'm a total hermit. I like to hang out sometimes too. You know, go to the movies and eat popcorn and stuff."

"I see," Akise said. "Perhaps I should've phrased my question better." He closed his eyes, taking a calming breath. Then, he opened them again, his crimson gaze boring into the other boy's eyes. "Yukiteru," he began in a sultry tone. "Would you like to hang out with me tonight?"

Yukiteru's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. Akise was just so . . . cool. He could see why he seemed so popular with all of the ladies. It was odd why he would even bother hanging out with a guy like him.

"I . . . ." he stuttered nervously. "Okay."

Akise gave a warm smile. "I'll stop by your house around 7. We could see a movie tonight, if you'd like."

Yukiteru's face brightened. This was . . . this was really happening. He was actually going to hang out with a friend tonight. Then, his smile faded as he suddenly remembered something. "Hey, listen," he began, his face serious.

Akise blinked. "Hm?"

"Last time we met, when you took my phone, you . . . you left a heart next to your name. Does that-" Yukiteru paused, his eyebrows furrowed. "I mean, you don't like me that way, do you?"

Akise blinked again, not expecting such a question. He ran a hand through his silver bangs as he pondered the question. "I believe . . . ." he began, looking off to the side. "I'm trying to figure that out myself."

Yukiteru's mouth opened and then closed, his face puzzled. "Okay, what does that mean?" he asserted.

Akise looked back at him then, a broad smile tugging at his lips. "It means," he explained. "I find you quite fascinating, and I believe . . . I would fancy getting to know more about you."

Yukiteru's eyes widened. "W-what?" he exclaimed. "You think I'm fascinating?"

Akise nodded.

Yukiteru's eyebrows furrowed. "But what about me do you find fascinating? I mean, all I really do is sit around and scroll through my phone all day," he questioned.

"Can you show me?" Akise replied.

"Huh?"

"Your notes, I'd like to see them," he explained. "The other day . . . I saw your notes flash across the screen and it had me curious."

Yukiteru bit his lip, looking down at his phone. "It's just . . . a diary," he said. "And anyways, I'd prefer it if you didn't see it. It's kind of personal."

He jumped when he felt a cool hand touch his chin. He felt his chin being tilted upwards to meet crimson eyes. A light blush swept across his cheeks.

Akise stared at him with a loving gaze, and Yukiteru found himself unable to look away. He tried to find his voice. "What are you-"

"You're quite attractive, you know that?" Akise remarked softly, his eyes fixed on his. Yukiteru gulped, his cheeks growing warm. His heart was pounding.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you tonight."

Akise released his chin then, taking a step away from him. Yukiteru instantly felt relieved.

"Do you mind if I call you 'Yuki?'" Akise asked suddenly. "It's a little easier that way."

Yukiteru nodded slowly. "Uh, s-sure," he responded, a little breathless.

Akise fixed him with another warm smile. "See you tonight . . . Yuki," he said before leaving.

Yuki's eyes followed him until he was gone.

His mind was racing.

He did it.

He finally did it.

He made a friend.

…

Author's Notes: I actually find it humorous that Yuki still considers Akise's actions as within the realm of friendship, despite Akise's actions strongly suggesting otherwise. And did Yuki ever stop to question how exactly Akise was going to get to his house when he didn't give an address? I guess not. Sounds a bit sketchy to me on Akise's part.

In any case, we'll see how things play out in the next chapter. I'm looking forward to it, how about you? I'll probably send out another update by Thursday. Stay tuned!